How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US that has reciprocity. In some instances you might be required to take a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Be sure to select a reputable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to operate a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, blood group, fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving license also includes magnet strips, even though it is not currently being used.
When you take an exam for driving in Germany, you will need to pass both a theory and a practical test. The driving exam usually takes approximately 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules and other details. After the test the examiner will inform you in person whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate that allows you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
When you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. Most people fail their driving tests because they panic or don't remember the rules of the road. It's important to learn as much driving as you can prior to your driving exam, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new license to drive. Most countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your vision and health. It is also required to attend driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical examinations before you are able to get your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. There are driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I obtain an German driver's license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or practical test if you reside in an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from country to country, and you should consult the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you will be required to verify your residency and provide documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear and sharp vision. In some cases you may also be required to provide certificates attesting your license is not suspended or cancelled.
For instance, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for one of a German one without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required in order to obtain an official driving license.
For those who are coming from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining a German driving license is more difficult. You'll usually need to take a theory and a practical test, and taking a course at a German driving school before you can be granted a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your car and complete the first-aid training.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will let you know when you can pick up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to be processed.
Once you have the German driving license valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is about to expire by bringing a passport photo along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. If you have lost your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your identity or illegal activities. You'll need to provide an official letter that states you will return the license if it is found.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have a driving license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to swap your driving license from a foreign country to one that is a German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is generally only possible if been driving for a long period of time and have established a regular residency in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
You will still be required to show proof of identity and a passport picture. Also, you will need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany, you must also have car insurance. More information can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general, you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your driving licence at least four weeks before the date on which it expires. This will give you time to complete the necessary paperwork. You'll need to bring the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license can vary depending the location you reside in. If you aren't sure, we recommend that you contact the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific details.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign licence for one of a German one, you'll have to submit an unwritten statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photo. Then, you'll have to pass a written and/or practical driving test, as well as pass a medical examination.
During the driving test, which is a practical one during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be required to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. You'll be issued a new German license within a few days in the event that you pass.
Can führerschein ohne prüfung kaufen get a German driving license if I already have a US license?
The rules vary based on the state where you obtained your license. The US is a country where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state is able to establish its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts, people who have a valid German driving license are able to drive in the USA for up to a year without exchange or having their US licenses changed.
It is suggested that those planning to stay in the USA longer than this time duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while they are there. In the event that you need to go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to give them your American license in exchange for the German license.
You can find information about the process and the documentation required in Anlage 11 of the German Federal Road Traffic Act (Standard-Fahrzeugsteuergesetz, SFTG). The Anlage includes the list of states and countries where a driver's license from the country is transferable without retaking the driving test. It includes Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
If you're not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different type of license, you'll have to complete the entire course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This involves signing up at an instructor at a driving school, learning theory lessons and completing an exam written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test in order to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and can drive a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but can range between a few hundred and two thousand euros.
You'll also need to buy mandatory insurance for your car. The cost will vary from company to company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.